Scale-throated hermit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scale-throated hermit |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phaethornis
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| Species: |
eurynome
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| Synonyms | |
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Phaethornis nigrirostris Ruschi, 1973 |
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The scale-throated hermit is a special type of hummingbird found in South America. You can spot this tiny bird in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Its scientific name is Phaethornis eurynome.
Contents
About the Scale-throated Hermit
The scale-throated hermit is a medium-sized hummingbird. It measures about 14 to 14.5 centimeters (5.5 to 5.7 inches) long. Male birds weigh between 4.5 and 6 grams, while females are a bit lighter, weighing 4 to 5 grams.
This bird has olive green feathers on its back. Its belly is grayish. The dark feathers on its throat have lighter edges, which makes them look like tiny scales. This is how the bird got its name! Its face has a black "mask" with a pale stripe above its eye and another pale stripe on its cheek. The tail feathers have white tips, and the two middle feathers are longer than the others.
Male and female scale-throated hermits look quite similar. However, females have shorter wings and a bill that is not as curved. There are two main types, or subspecies, of this bird. They look the same in color, but one type, P. e. paraguayensis, is smaller.
Where They Live
The scale-throated hermit lives in the southeastern parts of Brazil. You can find them from the state of Bahia all the way south to Rio Grande do Sul. The smaller type, P. e. paraguayensis, lives in eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. Specifically, they are found in a region called Misiones Province.
These hummingbirds prefer to live in the lower parts of forests. They are found in many different kinds of Atlantic Forest areas. This includes lowland and mountain rainforests, forests that lose some leaves, and older secondary forests (forests that have grown back after being cut down). They can live at different heights, from about 100 meters (330 feet) to 2,250 meters (7,380 feet) above sea level.
Bird Behavior
Movement and Travel
Scientists believe that the scale-throated hermit usually stays in one place and does not migrate. However, more research is needed to be completely sure.
What They Eat
Like many other hermit hummingbirds, the scale-throated hermit is a "trap-line" feeder. This means it flies a regular path, visiting many different flowering plants to drink their sweet nectar. It also eats small arthropods, which are tiny creatures like insects or spiders.
Reproduction and Nests
In Brazil, the scale-throated hermit's breeding season is from September to March. For other areas where it lives, the exact breeding time is not yet known.
The nest of a scale-throated hermit is shaped like a long cone or cup. It is made from plant fibers and spider webs. The bird hangs its nest underneath a long, drooping leaf, which helps to hide and protect it. Sometimes, they decorate their nests with a special type of lichen called Spiloma roseum. This lichen can even stain the eggs and the nesting female bird red! The female bird lays two eggs and takes care of them by herself.
Bird Calls and Songs
The song of the scale-throated hermit can change, but it usually has 2 to 4 notes. For example, it might sound like 'tsi-tseee....tsi-tseee..' or 'tsi-tsu-tseeé...tsi-tsu-tseeé...'. Its other calls include a sad-sounding 'tsew' and a higher-pitched 'tsee'.
Conservation Status
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the scale-throated hermit as a species of "Least Concern." This means that even though its population size is not fully known and seems to be decreasing, it is still common in the areas where it lives. Also, it lives in several protected areas, which helps keep it safe.
